I will be serving the Lord in The Dominican Republic Santo Domingo West Mission from June 2011-2013.

Friday, June 8, 2012

WAHOO!!

May 28, 2012

Hi Family!

This week was absolutely wonderful! Let
me explain why..... Reason 1- We had 5 investigators in Church! For
this area it was an absolute miracle. These past few weeks I have just
been praying and praying to be able to find people who would have the
desire to visit the Church, and to partake of the blessings there!
Well, last week we found a family who I think is more prepared than any
I have ever seen. They told us that the day before we came, they were
talking about how they really need to find the true church so that they
can be closer to God. Then we came. They absolutely love everything we
teach, and they made the sacrifice to go to Church with their two small
children. When they got there, the ward did their part perfectly!
Everyone was so excited to see a family investigating the church that
they were maybe a little over zealous to help them out! Later, our ward
mission leader told us that it was the first complete family that has
been to Church in years! It really was an amazing experience to see the
ward so excited, and their desire to help this family! I know that it wasn't anything that I did as a missionary, but rather the work of the
Lord. I know without a doubt that the Lord has people prepared to
accept His Gospel. We have a lesson with them tomorrow, and we are
going to put a baptismal date with them for the middle of June.

Reason 2- We have a baptism this Saturday! We are going to baptize
Carolina this Saturday! She has finally opened up to us, and she is ready
to be baptized! All along she was ready, but she was so shy that she
wouldn't talk to us! (She is the niece of a member, and lives with her
because she has had lots of family problems) Anyway, because of the problems
she had earlier in her life, she was extremely timid, and wouldn't talk
to us. Well, after fasting and prayer, she opened up and talked! The
first time she said the prayer was one of the most amazing moments of my
life. It truly was a humble daughter speaking with her Heavenly
Father. It was an experience I will never forget!

Needless to say, I am hoping that I get to stay in
this area. After all the trials and everything, I was ready to leave.
Well, now I'm ready to stay! Ha ha. We will see if the Lord lets me stay
here, or if he has other plans for me!

Anyway, elections were extremely non-eventful.
Nothing crazy happened, it was just a precaution of the mission to leave
us in the house. It sounds like all the eventful things are happening
at home! I couldn't believe the story about the shed. Dad, I think it is
time to take a saw to that shed. I don't have very nice feelings toward
that shed! Ha ha. I'm just glad it didn't do too much damage, that could
have been a lot worse than it was! I'm happy that the Raptor is still
alive and well, and everything else as well! Sounds like the usual this
year......rain rain rain for memorial day! Seems like every time we go
camping it likes to rain!

This week I am extremely grateful for the
opportunity I have to serve the Lord, and the people here! I remember
the first time that I read the Missionary Handbook of rules, it says
that our time to serve the Lord with all of our time and energy is
extremely short. I remember when I had 3 days in the mission, I felt that was
the biggest lie I'd ever heard! Two years is forever! How would I ever
make it for two years? Well, now I understand that it is true. It is such a
privilege and opportunity to serve the Lord as a missionary. I am so
grateful for the things I have learned, but most importantly for the
testimony I now have. I know without a single doubt in my mind that this is
the true Church. It was restored by a prophet of God, and we have it to
bless us! I know that if we are faithful to the covenants we have made
with the Lord, we will be blessed! The Lord is bound when we do what He says. I know that is true. The Lord always tests our faith, and if
we remain faithful we will see miracles! I know that is true! I love
you all so very much!